Short answer: Choosing a builder is the biggest decision you’ll make. Ask about their local experience, contract structure, allowances, communication, subcontractors, timeline, and warranty — and get real references. Here are the twelve questions that matter most.
Experience and fit
1. How many homes like mine have you built in this area? 2. Can I see finished homes and talk to past clients? 3. Are you familiar with my community’s design guidelines and local permitting?
Money and contracts
4. Do you work fixed-cost, cost-plus, or hybrid? (See our contracts guide.) 5. How do you set allowances? 6. How are change orders handled and priced? 7. What does your price include — and exclude?
Process and communication
8. Who is my day-to-day contact? 9. How do you communicate progress and budget? 10. What’s a realistic timeline for my home?
Quality and protection
11. Who are your key subcontractors and how long have you worked together? 12. What warranty do you provide after move-in?
Frequently asked questions
What’s the most important question?
Whether you can speak to past clients and see finished homes — nothing reveals more than a builder’s track record.
Should price be the deciding factor?
No. What’s included, how overages are handled, and the builder’s reputation matter more than the headline number.
Request a free consultation — we’re happy to answer all twelve.